If you are already starting to feel withdrawal symptoms after the end of the 2025 F1 season then fear not because pre-season Formula One testing for the 2026 season is about to begin in earnest.
2026 is one of the most highly anticipated F1 seasons in recent memory thanks to the introduction of a raft of new technical regulations which are being heralded as the most seismic changes in the sports history. Gone are the turbo hybrid engines that have served teams so well since their introduction in 2014 and in are a brand new package of gizmos which are expected to deliver a 50/50 split between internal combustion engine and electrical power.
If that wasn't enough, the teams are also having to contend with new aerodynamic regulations which are designed to work in unison with the new systems. Ground effect aerodynamics are out and movable aero is in, with front and rear wings moving on command to deliver more grip in corners and less drag on the straights.
With just 11 days of testing permitted before the first race in Australia on the 8th March, the teams are going to be under pressure to get the most out of their new packages in the limited time available.
To help you get your head around all the changes and the upcoming F1 testing schedule, we thought we'd answer some of the questions we are getting asked most frequently by our clients who are already planning their first
F1 holiday of the 2026 season.
What is Formula One Testing?
Formula One testing provides the teams with an opportunity to run their cars on track without the pressure of competition. While the best times achieved by each team and driver is traditionally reported at the end of each day, the results have no consequences on the championship with no points being awarded.
This means that the teams can focus on doing the run programmes that they need in order to better understand their car and the new systems they have developed. You can expect to see cars fitted with unsightly metal sensors and with their carefully crafted liveries tainted by high viz paint as they try to gain a better understanding of their new motors.
Ultimately this renders the final times set by each car largely irrelevant as each team is likely to be running a different programme. For instance, one team may be simulating race runs with lots of fuel onboard, while another may be practicing qualifying laps with as little fuel as possible.
In the past, teams have also been known to try and throw rivals off the scent. In 2009, once the Brawn GP team realised they had a significant pace advantage, they immediately started running the car with only high fuel loads, ensuring that their rivals did not have an accurate perception of the target times necessary to be in contention for victories come the start of the season.
When is F1 Testing & When Does F1 Pre-Season Testing Start?
Unlike last year when there was just one three day pre-season test schedule, the teams are getting a massive eleven days of testing in 2026 split over three events. This is a one off luxury which has been permitted due to the seismic technical changes the teams have faced over the winter.
F1 pre-season testing starts on the 26th January at the Catalunya Circuit in Barcelona. Teams will have 5 days of private testing away from the glare of the world's media here to route out any reliability gremlins from the new systems before photographers, sports broadcasters, fans and journalists are invited to the next two three day events which are set to be held in Bahrain.
The second pre-season F1 test in Bahrain will be held between the 11th and 13th February with the final event then scheduled for the 18th to the 20th February at the same circuit. This will give the teams just two weeks to solve any remaining issues back at the factory before the first race of the year in Melbourne, Australia.
Where Can I Watch F1 Pre-season Testing 2026?
Unfortunately, the first F1 pre-season test will not be broadcast. Unusually, journalists and photographers will not be invited to the circuit either. This decision has been made to spare the blushes of any teams who are facing early problems with their new cars and power units. Afterall, the sight of a smoking Ferrari or Mercedes at the side of a circuit isn't going to do much for the image of either car brand.
The final two F1 pre-season tests will be broadcast on Sky Sports F1 in the UK. This will include live coverage of the session with commentary, a 15 minute highlights package at the end of each day and a 30 minute programme with pitlane reporter Ted Kravitz providing more hardcore fans with an in-depth look at each team's F1 testing programmes and any interesting technical developments they may be running.
What Should I Look Out For in F1 Winter Testing?
The fact that each team is likely to be running different programmes at different points of the day, makes it very difficult to determine a likely running order ahead of the new season.
For instance, one team could be running a race simulation with a full fuel tank while another could be focused on qualifying runs with as little fuel as possible. Temperatures and grip levels are also a variable to take into consideration, with cooler temperatures and higher grip levels at the end of each day potentially leading to faster lap times.
To further muddy the waters, it's likely that most teams won't be running their definitive 2026 car in F1 winter testing. Ferrari, for instance, has already confirmed that its pre-season package will be purposefully conservative so as to ensure that they can get as many miles as possible on their new power unit. Whoever does have the fastest car in Bahrain F1 testing may therefore not automatically have the best package for round one in Melbourne.
One thing that the teams won't be able to hide though is reliability, something which is expected to really test them in early 2026 given the size of the regulation overhaul. Make sure you keep an eye out for any cars that are frequently seen stopping out on track or completing short runs of less than five laps at a time. Teams will unusually be aiming to complete 1 to 2 race distances each day and any team who fails to meet this target may well face problems in the early races of the year.
When Does the New F1 Season Start?
The new 2026 F1 Season is set to start on the weekend of the 6th-8th March in Melbourne, Australia at the Albert Park circuit.
Melbourne really is the perfect place to start a new F1 season, with the passionate fans creating a lively atmosphere that few venues can match. The fact that it is the first race under a dramatically different rules set adds to the sense of occasion, with teams, journalists and spectators all desperate to find out who has got it right for the new season. By being there at the circuit, you'll be one of the first to find out with all of the action taking place right before your eyes.
The city itself is also a great holiday destination even when it isn't a race weekend, with eclectic shopping districts, a thriving arts scene, award winning restaurants, trendy bars & cafes and plenty of scenic outdoor spaces which are perfect for walks.
All of this makes our
Australian Grand Prix holiday tours one of the most desirable in our portfolio. Our luxury travel specialists will work with you to create a bespoke package which is tailor made to you, taking into account your preference and expectations. Get in touch with our team today to book your place at one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of 2026.